Force Shields
Force Shields
These rigid energy barriers feel like a solid wall, but exist only as long as the power is maintained. A force shield is normally transparent, but its outlines may be visible if struck by an attack. Gas or liquid will not pass through a force shield – if it encloses the subject, it's effectively sealed. This may lead to suffocation if there is no air supply.
Force shields are effective against all physical attacks: energy beams will be absorbed, melee attacks will hit an apparently solid wall, and any projectile failing to penetrate loses its kinetic energy and falls to the ground. An object or beam that strikes a force shield and inflicts enough damage to penetrate its DR will pass through it, but the field will reform as long as power remains.
Force Shield Bracelet (TL11^)
This is a solid bracelet worn on the wrist (leaving the hand free). The bracelet generates a flat, circular force shield with hardened DR 100. The size of a larger shield, this grants DB 3.
The force shield serves the same purpose as a medieval shield – to physically block attacks. Duelists might use one of these in conjunction with a force sword. Its advantage is that the shield vanishes when the generator is turned off, and the wrist-generator itself is light, giving it the agility of a buckler with the protective qualities of a large shield. Use Shield (Buckler) Skill. $1,500, 0.5 lbs., B/30 min. LC3.
Reflective Force Shield (TL12^)
As above, but a successful block roll against a ranged beam attack lets the defender attempt a separate DX roll to return the blocked damage to the attacker! $3,000, 0.5 lbs. B/30 min. LC2.
Force Ward (TL11^)
These stationary devices project a two-dimensional force shield barrier with hardened DR 100. A typical ward generator casts a field two yards high and a yard wide, sufficient to block a doorway or narrow corridor. Larger or smaller wards are also possible. Multiple ward generators can be linked together to create a wider barrier. If the ward is used as a fence, half this field will be underground. The generator and control unit is mounted on one side of the ward, and cannot be reached without passing through the field. Permanent wards built into doorways or airlocks are often linked to security scanners. $10,000, 25 lbs., D/24 hr. LC3.